276 THE BIRDS ABOUT Us. 



several days, soon became tame and even familiar. It generally 

 stood with its legs erect, its body horizontal, and its neck rather ex- 

 tended. It frequently reposed on its belly, and stretching its neck, 

 rested its long bill on the floor. It spent most of its time in this way, 

 or in dressing and arranging its plumage with its long scissors-like bill, 

 which it seemed to perform with great ease and dexterity. It re- 

 fused every kind of food offered it, and I am persuaded never feeds 

 but when on the wing." 



Dr. Coues says that these birds go in true flocks, 

 and not mere loose assemblages like terns, and that 

 they are largely nocturnal or crepuscular. " Their 

 mode of feeding is not exactly made out, but it is 

 believed they skim over the surface with the body 

 inclined downward, the bill open, and the under 

 mandible in the water, so they really take their prey 

 in a manner analogous to the feeding of whales." 



